Go-bag for emergency situations

ABSTRACT

A go-bag is disclosed. The bag is designed to contain valuables and important documents, and protect these contents during an emergency evacuation situation. The bag can waterproof and float in water. The bag can also be made of a flame resistant material. The bag can include a self-orienting feature where the bag can float in water and automatically rotate to achieve the proper orientation so that the integrated solar panel is facing upwards towards the sun.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/786,929 filed Dec. 31, 2018, and titled “Go-Bag for EmergencySituations,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to containers, and inparticular, to bags that can protect their contents during emergencysituations.

BACKGROUND

Severe weather, natural disasters, fires and other extreme conditionscan force the evacuation of large numbers of people. Often, people areunprepared for evacuation, and in the urgent rush to evacuate withfamily members and pets, important objects and documents can be leftbehind and eventually destroyed. There is a need in the art for acontainer that can protect valuables and important documents during anemergency situation.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a go-bag includes two side walls and an outer perimeter.One of the edges of the outer perimeter has a releasable closing system,while the remaining edges are permanently attached, creating an interiorvoid that can be filled with valuables and documents. One of the sidewalls includes a solar panel disposed on an outer surface. That sidewall also includes a first buoyant portion that is larger than thebuoyant portion of the other side wall. This buoyancy imbalance causesthe solar panel side of the bag to be more buoyant than the other side.This arrangement helps the bag to float, and to automatically rotate thebag in water so that the solar panel faces upwards towards the sun.Preferably, the bag is waterproof and flame resistant.

In another aspect, the bag includes a battery storage compartmentdisposed on the opposite side of the bag as the solar panel. In someversions, the bag can include an embedded electrical conductor thatextends from the solar panel to the battery compartment.

In another aspect, the bag includes an integrated handle and optionalidentification marks.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a bag;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an open bag, viewinginto its interior space;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exterior view of an embodiment of anopen bag;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bag;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bag;

FIG. 6 is an exploded cut away view of an embodiment of a wall of a bag;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of a bagincluding contents in water;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a closed bag floatingin water;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a bagfloating in water;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a bagadjusting its orientation in water;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a side view of an embodiment of a bagfloating in water at its correct orientation;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an isometric view of an embodiment ofanother embodiment of a bag; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the bag ofFIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments provide a container that can store and protect valuables andimportant documents during an emergency situation. Emergency situationscan refer to situations that are caused by natural disasters such ashurricanes or wildfires. Various embodiments of the bag may allow a userto safely transport items. In some instances, an emergency situation maycause an unsafe environment such as flooding or fires. The embodiment ofthe system may allow the transported items to remain protected fromwater and/or fire. Other emergency situations may leave a user with noelectrical power or access to electronic necessities. In someembodiments, the system may provide electrical power to electronicdevices. In some situations where flooding may occur, some embodimentsof the system may provide a waterproof vessel for items to remain dryand float. In other embodiments, the vessel may float in a predeterminedorientation so that the bag can continue to generate electrical powerfor a user. In some embodiments, the system may include identificationfeatures so that the bag can be returned to its owners.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a bag 100. Bag 100 maybe configured to be any shape or size. Referring to FIG. 1, bag 100shown in that Figure is generally rectangular. However, it should bekept in mind that the principles of the invention can apply to a baghaving any shape or size. Bag 100 can include a perimeter with one ormore edges. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, bag 100 may include twoside walls that include a perimeter 106. The term “side wall” is used togenerally describe the sides of the bag. It is not intended to implythat the sides of the bag are necessarily rigid. In contrast,embodiments of the bag are preferably constructed of generally flexibleside walls. First side wall 102 is shown in FIG. 1, and opposite secondside wall 104 can be seen in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, first side wall102 is opposite second side wall 104. First side wall 102 is preferablyjoined to second side wall 104 to form an interior pocket or void.

In some embodiments, the two side walls may be permanently joined onmultiple edges. In this specification and claims, “permanently joined”means that the walls can only be separated by destructive separation ofone or both walls, or the joint must be damaged or destroyed to separatethe first wall from the second wall at that location. The two side wallsof bag 100 may be permanently joined on three edges of the perimeter106, including a second edge 110, a third edge 112, and a fourth edge114. The remaining fourth edge, a first edge 108, may be selectivelyjoined by a seal. In some embodiments, the arrangement of the edges ofperimeter 106 can create an interior void 200 of bag 100 (see FIG. 2).

In some embodiments, the walls of bag 100 may include multiple features.The features can be used alone or in combination. Some embodiments, anexterior wall of bag 100 may include a solar panel 116 comprised of oneor more solar cells. In some embodiments, bag 100 may be configured withtab 122 that extends from a location where both side walls are joined.Tab 122 can extend from any edge of bag 100. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, tab 122 extends from fourth edge 114. Tab 122 can be made fromany suitable material. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, tab 122 is madeof a flame resistant material, similar to the material discussed laterin this description. In other embodiments, tab 122 can be made of abuoyant material. Embodiments of bag 100 can include handle 124. Asshown in FIG. 1, handle 124 may be integrally formed as a cut out intotab 122.

In some embodiments, bag 100 may include identification featuresdisposed on the exterior surface. The identification features may allowa user to identify bag 100 if lost. Examples of an identification markcan include; a barcode 118, numerical code or a quick response (QR) code120. In other embodiments, any other kind of identifier or indicia couldbe used with bag 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the identification featuresare disposed on tab 122. Some embodiments of bag 100 can includemultiple identification marks.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an open bag 100,exposing its interior void 200. Bag 100 may contain an interior void 200with multiple features. Embodiments of bag 100 may include one or moreof these interior features. In one embodiment, interior void 200 mayinclude compartmental features such as various pockets for storingdifferent items. In some embodiments, interior void 200 may include oneor more pockets. Some embodiments of interior void 200 may include oneor more pockets that can be disposed on a wall of bag 100. Referring toFIG. 2, first pocket 202 and second pocket 204 may be disposed on secondside wall 104. In other embodiments, first pocket 202 and second pocket204 may be located on other areas of the walls that create interior void200.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exterior view of an embodiment ofopen bag 100. In some embodiments, bag 100 may include a seal that canenclose interior void 200 from the external environment. Someembodiments of bag 100 may include a seal with components that provide areleasable closing system that can selectively join first edge 108. Someembodiments can include releasable closure system 300. Releasableclosure system 300 can include first closure member 302 associated withfirst side wall 102, and can also include second closure member 304associated with second side wall 104. First closure member 302 isconfigured to join or attach with second closure member 304 therebycreating a seal between first side wall 102 and second side wall 104. Insome embodiments, this seal can be a waterproof seal.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, additional features and structural details ofbag 100 can be observed. Some embodiments can include provisions thatprotect the contents of bag 100 in high temperature or fire conditions.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, bag 100 can include a first flameresistant layer 402 and second flame resistant layer 404. In someembodiments, the flame resistant layers are made of a single sheet ofmaterial that is folded. In other embodiments, two separate layers arejoined to cover bag 100. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the flameresistant layers are the outermost layers of bag 100. In someembodiments, flame resistant layers may also be waterproof.

Some embodiments can include provisions to increase the buoyancy of bag100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, bag 100 can include a firstbuoyant layer 406, a second buoyant layer 408, and a third buoyant layer410. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, these three buoyant layersare associated with first side wall 102. Some embodiments can include afourth buoyant layer 412. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, fourthbuoyant layer 412 is attached to second side wall 104. Preferably, thebuoyant layers are disposed asymmetrically, meaning, one side wall hasmore buoyant layers than the other side wall. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4-6, first side wall 102 is provided with more buoyant layers thansecond side wall 104. This configuration can help to orient bag 100 inwater as detailed below. The various buoyant layers can also help toprovide overall buoyancy to bag 100. It may be appreciated that anynumber of layers, and any ordering of layers could be used in otherembodiments.

Some embodiments can include provisions that can provide electricalpower to the interior void 200 of bag 100. In some embodiments, anelectrical conductor can extend from solar panel 116 to the interiorvoid 200 of bag 100. The electrical conductor can be placed in anydesired or suitable location within interior void 200. In someembodiments, electrical conductor 502 is routed through the interior ofside wall 102 and in some cases side wall 104. As shown in FIG. 5, whichis an enlarged view of bag 100, electrical conductor 502 can extend froma first end 504 to a second end 506. First end 504 of electricalconductor 502 can be attached to solar panel 116. Second end 506 ofelectrical conductor 502 can extend to any desired location withininterior void 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, second end 506 ofelectrical conductor 502 extends to first pocket 202. Some embodimentscan include provisions to attach various electronic devices to secondend 506 to electrical conductor 502. Any suitable mechanical connectionmay be provided. In some cases, a universal connector, such as a USBconnector, may be provided at second end 506 of electrical conductor502. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 where second end 506 ofelectrical conductor 502 extends into first pocket 202, first pocket 202can be used to retain or hold an either an electronic device or externalbattery pack.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of bag 100 in water. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 7, bag 100 is temporarily submerged. Inthis embodiment, bag 100 has been filled with various items including anarticle of apparel, a writing instrument, important documents and anexternal battery pack. These items occupy interior void 200, and bag 100has been opened to accommodate these items. As bag 100 is opened toaccommodate these items, interior void 200 also increases. When bag 100is sealed, bag 100 will displace additional water when placed underwater. When submerged under water 704, bag 100 will produce buoyantforce 702. Buoyant force 702 will eventually cause bag 100 to move froma submerged condition, as shown in FIG. 7, to a floating condition, asshown in FIG. 8. The buoyant layers described above can also assist incontributing a buoyant force to bag 100 when submerged. Referring toFIG. 8, bag 100 is floating on the surface of water 704. In thiscondition, the solar cells of solar panel 116 are exposed to sunlightand are capable of producing electricity.

As discussed above, bag 100 preferably includes an asymmetricdistribution of buoyant layers, with additional buoyant layers disposedproximate solar panel 116. In some embodiments, heavier items, such asbattery packs and other electronics may be placed in pockets that aredisposed on the opposite side of bag 100 as solar panel 116. Thisunequal weight distribution with the heavier items disposed on theopposite side of bag 100 as solar panel 116 also helps bag 100 toself-orient in water. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, an example of thisself-orienting feature is shown. In FIG. 9, bag 100 is floating on thesurface of water 704. In this position the bag is upside down withsubmerged and the opposite side of bag 100 being exposed to sunlight.Because of the weight distribution and weight imbalance and because thedistribution of the buoyant layers, bag 100 will generally self-orientin water. In the embodiment in FIGS. 9-10, bag 100 will automaticallyorient in water 704 so that the solar cells of solar panel 116 areexposed to sunlight above the surface of water 704 with the heavieritems submerged. FIG. 10 shows an intermediate position of thisself-orienting feature where bag 100 is in the process in flipping overfrom the configuration shown in FIG. 9 to the position shown in FIG. 11.After bag 100 has completed its self-orientation, bag 100 achieves theposition shown in FIG. 11. In this position, the solar cells of solarpanel 116 are exposed upwards toward the sun and the opposite side ofthe bag is generally submerged. Bag 100 has now been properlyself-oriented so that the solar cells can generate electricity. Bag 100can achieve this position automatically and without human intervention.The various buoyant layers and weight distribution bias bag 100 intothis position shown in FIG. 11 and even if bag 100 is flipped over bywaves or other events, bag 100 will generally return to the positionshown in FIG. 10 over time automatically and without human interventionbecause of the self-orienting features provided in different embodimentsof bag 100.

Embodiments are not limited to the particular size and shape of bag 100.In other embodiments, other types of bags could be used. For example,FIGS. 12-13 illustrate schematic views of another embodiment of a bag1200. In this case, bag 1200 includes two straps (specifically, firststrap 1202 and second strap 1204) so that bag 1200 may be worn as abackpack. In other embodiments, any other kinds of bags could be used,including shoulder bags, handbags, duffle bags as well as other kinds ofbags.

The embodiment of FIGS. 12-13 incorporates many of the featuresdescribed above and shown in FIGS. 1-11, as well as additional featuresnot previously described. It may be appreciated that other embodimentscould incorporate any combination of features from two or moreembodiments.

As seen in FIG. 12, bag 1200 includes multiple sidewalls 1210 thatenclose an interior void 1212 (see FIG. 13). Specifically, bag 1200comprises five sidewalls, including a distal sidewall, a proximal sidewall, two lateral sidewalls and a lower sidewall. Additionally, two ormore of the sidewalls meet at a tab 1213, which can be closed to sealbag 1200.

Bag 1200 may include solar panel 1220 comprising multiple solar cells ona distal sidewall 1214. Moreover, solar panel 1220 is disposed on anopposite side of a proximal sidewall 1216 with first strap 1202 andsecond strap 1204 (see FIG. 13). This ensures that solar panel 1220 isexposed to the sun when bag 1200 is worn on a user's back.

To discourage unauthorized users from gaining access to the contents ofbag 1200, a locking mechanism 1250 may be used to secure tab 1213. Indifferent embodiments, different locking mechanisms could be used. Forexample, in some embodiments, a mechanical locking mechanism could beused, such as a combination locking mechanism 1252. Other mechanicallocking mechanisms that could be used include push-button locks andlocks with keys. In other embodiments, an electronic locking mechanismcould be used. For example, in some embodiments, a biometric lockingmechanism could be used, such as a fingerprint reader 1254. Otherelectronic mechanisms that could be used include other kinds ofbiometric locking mechanisms and locks incorporating electronic keypads.

The interior of bag 1200, depicted in FIG. 13, can include a maincompartment for storing a variety of items. Bag 1200 may also includevarious pockets for storing permanent or temporary items. For itemsintended to be permanently stored, such as a battery as described below,the pockets could be partially or fully closed to prevent the items frombeing removed.

In this exemplary embodiment, sidewalls 1210 may be comprised ofmultiple layers. The exterior layer 1340 of all sidewalls 1210 may be afireproof layer. In some cases, exterior layer 1340 may also bewaterproof. Although the current embodiment depicts a single exteriorlayer that extends along each sidewall, in other embodiments, theexterior of the bag could comprise different kinds of materials ondifferent sidewalls. Distal sidewall 1214, as well as the lateralsidewalls 1215, may also be comprised of three buoyant layers: a firstbuoyant layer 1342, a second buoyant layer 1344 and a third buoyantlayer 1346. Proximal sidewall 1216, by contrast, may only comprise asingle buoyant layer 1348. This asymmetry in the number of buoyantlayers helps ensure bag 1200 will rotate into a position with distalside 1214 facing up, if the bag is floating, in order to keep solarcells pointed towards the sky. This is similar to the asymmetricbuoyancy of bag 100, as depicted in FIGS. 8-11. It may be appreciatedthat the number and order of layers of bag 1200 could vary from oneembodiment to another.

Some embodiments may include provisions for tracking a bag. In someembodiments, a bag could be provided with a tracking beacon (or trackingdevice), such as tracking beacon 1330. Different kinds of trackingbeacons could be used, including blue-tooth enabled tracking beacons,WiFi enabled tracking beacons, cellular enabled tracking beacons, GPSenabled tracking beacons or any other kinds of tracking beacons.Generally, the type of tracking beacon used may be selected to optimizethe range of tracking and the power needs of the beacon. For example,blue tooth enabled beacons may have low power consumption but may onlybe detectable in a limited range. Various kinds of GPS enabled trackingsystems may facilitate tracking over a longer range but may consumesignificant power. Although not shown in the Figures, bag 100 could alsoincorporate a tracking beacon similar to tracking beacon 1300. Forexample, a tracking beacon could be incorporated into the interior void200 of bag 100 (see FIG. 2).

Some embodiments may include power to supplement the power generated bya solar panel. In some embodiments, bag 1200 may include an onboardbattery 1310. Onboard battery 1310 may be any kind of battery known inthe art. For example, onboard battery 1310 could be a rechargeablelithium-ion battery. In embodiments where onboard battery 1310 isrechargeable, power for recharging it could be supplied by solar panel1220. In other embodiments, a non-rechargeable battery could be used.Onboard battery 1310 may be used to power a variety of different items,including a user's cell phone or other device via charging port 1320.Onboard battery 1310 could also be used to provide power to trackingbeacon 1330. If an electronic locking system is used, such as afingerprint reader, battery 1310 could also be used to power the lockingsystem.

It may therefore be appreciated that the embodiments provide a bag forsecuring/protecting items in a disaster. The bag can provide water andfire protection (via one or more fireproof and/or waterproof layers),security (via a locking mechanism), easy identification (via QR codes,for example), charging capabilities (via solar panels and/or onboardbatteries), and tracking capabilities (via a tracking beacon). Someembodiments may incorporate each of these features, while others couldincorporate selective features.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

We claim:
 1. A bag comprising: a first side wall and a second side walljoined along a perimeter to define an interior void of the bag; thefirst side wall including a solar panel disposed on an outer surface ofthe first side wall, the first side wall also including at least twobuoyant layers; the second side wall including at least one pocketdisposed on the second side wall inside the interior void, the secondside wall also including a buoyant layer; wherein the at least onepocket on the second side wall is disposed opposite from the at leasttwo buoyant layers of the first side wall; wherein the first side wallhas more buoyant layers than the second side wall to automaticallyself-orient the bag in water so that the solar panel is disposed closerto a surface of the water than the second side wall and so that the atleast one pocket is disposed beneath the solar panel.
 2. The bagaccording to claim 1, wherein the first side wall is permanently joinedto the second side wall around a portion of the perimeter, therebyforming the interior void disposed between the first side wall and thesecond side wall.
 3. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the perimeteralso includes a releasable closing system.
 4. The bag according to claim3, wherein the releasable closing system is capable of selectivelyjoining the first side wall to the second sidewall proximate thereleasable closing system.
 5. The bag according to claim 3, wherein thereleasable closing system produces a waterproof seal when closed.
 6. Thebag according to claim 1, wherein the second side wall includes abattery compartment formed on an interior surface of the second sidewall; and wherein an electrical conductor extends between the solarpanel and the battery compartment.
 7. The bag according to claim 6,wherein the electrical conductor is disposed within the first side wall.8. The bag according to claim 6, wherein the electrical conductor isdisposed within the second side wall.
 9. The bag according to claim 6,wherein the electrical conductor includes an electrical connectorproximate the battery compartment.
 10. The bag according to claim 1,wherein the first side wall and the second side wall include a flameresistant layer.
 11. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising anintegrated handle formed on the remaining perimeter.
 12. The bagaccording to claim 1, further comprising an identification mark disposedon an outer surface of the bag.
 13. The bag according to claim 1,wherein the at least one pocket comprises a first pocket and a secondpocket.
 14. The bag according to claim 1, further comprising at leasttwo straps configured to allow the bag to be worn as a backpack.
 15. Thebag according to claim 1, wherein the at least two buoyant layers of thefirst side wall include a first buoyant layer, a second buoyant layer,and a third buoyant layer; and wherein the buoyant layer of the secondside wall includes a fourth buoyant layer.
 16. The bag according toclaim 1, wherein one or more objects placed in the at least one pocketare configured to assist with automatically self-orienting the bag sothat the solar panel is disposed closer to the surface of the water thanthe second side wall.